Childcare Market Assessment: Key to Smart Investments

Investment Guides for Early Learning Childcare (ELC) Operators and Property Investors and Developers

To get a copy of our Investment Guide for Early Learning Childcare (ELC) Operators, please sign up via our Investment Guide page.

This guide is an extremely valuable resource for ELC [Early Learning Childcare] Centre operators. It highlights not only the positives for investment, but through it’s realistic case study, exposes the risks for anyone looking to enter the sector.”

Paul Mondo
Australia Childcare Alliance (ACA), National President & Managing Director,
Bimbi Early Learning and Kindergarten &
Deer Park Early Learning and Kindergarten

2020 Australia’s Childcare Industry Updates. COVID-19 Impacts & Forecast.

Explore the childcare market trends and forecasts for 2020, along with insights into the impacts of COVID-19 on the Childcare Industry. Click here to delve into this article, designed to provide valuable information for property developers, investors, and Early Learning Centre (ELC) and childcare operators.

2023 Australia’s Early Learning (Childcare) Industry Guide

Our comprehensive 2023 Australia’s Early Learning (Childcare) Industry Guide is now available. You can access a summary of the guide by visiting this link here. Alternatively, feel free to download a copy by clicking here.

How will a Childcare Operator or Property Investor Get Financially Benefited from a Childcare Market Assessment?

Achieving a successful investment hinges on choosing the right site. Seasoned operators may encounter challenges in turning a profit within markets saturated with competition or lacking sufficient demand. Our commitment lies in conducting comprehensive investigations to assess the current and future local demand and supply of childcare services. Through this, we aim to empower you with the insights needed to make informed investment and business decisions. Here’s how we can assist you effectively:

  • Acquiring a site,
  • Preparing a childcare business plan,
  • Supporting a town planning application,
  • Supporting a rezoning proposal,
  • Developing an appropriate sales or leasing campaign,
  • Starting a new business, or
  • Reviewing a childcare business strategy.  

Our market assessments draw insights from both primary sources, such as direct surveys with local operators, and secondary sources, including information published by the government.

What does a Childcare Market Assessment involve?


To enhance the marketability of a given proposal, our comprehensive market assessments, also known as needs assessments, include, at a minimum:

  • Location and Site Context,
  • Setting a Catchment Area,
  • Key Demographic and Economic Profile,
  • Population and Household Growth (2021-2024-2026-2031-2036),
  • Supply Analysis – Existing Childcare Centres,
  • Development Pipeline Information – New Childcare Centres,
  • Market Gap Estimates – estimating the number of places to meet the demand triggered by population growth of young Australians (2024-2026 & 2024-2036), and
  • 14-day turnaround with a PDF digital version sent via email.

PPC Urban excels in performing market assessments for childcare centres, evaluating the commercial feasibility of childcare projects. Our services are customized to meet your specific requirements, including additional assessments on land suitability. These assessments take into account factors such as land location, size, orientation, local town planning requirements. Our expertise extends to conducting childcare market assessments (or childcare needs assessments) nationwide, with successful project deliveries in VIC, NSW, ACT, QLD, and WA.

What are other considerations in selecting a site for a childcare centre?

If your project is situated in Victoria, we can assess the physical and legal feasibility of developing your land for a childcare center. Leveraging our extensive knowledge of town planning requirements, we can guide you through the process. Our integrated services go beyond, aiding in the formulation of a robust business plan. We provide valuable advice on:

  • A potential mix of development within the zoning provisions,
  • Suitability assessment considering site location, context, and land topography,
  • Development response aligned with market trends and opportunities,
  • Estimation of development yield for the proposed project.

Our approach is illustrated in below diagram.

due diligence checklist for childcare development and acquisition
Due diligence checklist for childcare development and acquisition

Developing and Investing in Childcare Centers: Confidence-Boosting Tips – Videos & Interviews

Our Director, Hong Knowling, recently engaged in an insightful interview with Cheryl Leong from Property Development Australia. The interview delves into the significance and components of a childcare market assessment, shedding light on its importance and content.

For a confidential discussion and personalized assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. We are committed to working collaboratively with you to tailor a specific scope of work that ensures the best outcomes for your project. You can contact us at 0434 147 607 or via email at info@ppcurban.com.au.

Part 1: Developing and Investing in Childcare Centres

Part 2: Developing and Investing i